Anne Francis, who played Marsha White, was a well-known film actress (notably from Forbidden Planet ) who brought a perfect blend of sophistication and growing hysteria to the role.
Setting the story in a department store serves as a critique of how individuals can become "fixtures" within a capitalist system, indistinguishable from the products they consume. Memorable Moments
Directed by Douglas Heyes , who also directed "The Howling Man" and "The Eye of the Beholder." [S1E24] The Twilight Zone
The eerie, desolate atmosphere of the supposedly empty floor sets the tone for the supernatural events to follow.
The use of mannequins taps into "the uncanny valley"—the discomfort humans feel when faced with objects that look almost, but not quite, human. Anne Francis, who played Marsha White, was a
The subtle (and eventually overt) movement of the mannequins as Marsha becomes trapped in the darkened store.
Marsha White, a demanding shopper, visits a large department store to find a specific gift—a gold thimble. After being directed to the "vacant" ninth floor by a mysterious elevator operator, she encounters a strange saleswoman who sells her a scratched thimble. Marsha soon realizes she is locked in the store after closing and discovers a terrifying secret about herself and the "people" she encountered. The use of mannequins taps into "the uncanny
This guide covers the 24th episode of the first season of The Twilight Zone , which originally aired on June 10, 1960. It is widely considered one of the series' most iconic and chilling entries. Episode Summary